My next word to share of an evergrowing list of words that should be in our arsenal, well, it’s Joy. Not laughter, but laughter is often found as the result of Joy. It’s not mirth, but the word does lend itself to times of happiness that accompany laughter. For me, Joy is that attitude of happily claiming scripture that was meant to encourage us forward and comfort us in victory.
We first read about Joy in the days of anointing kings, celebrating victory over the enemy, or simply enjoying the House of the Lord. The scriptures are many. From one of the oldest biblical stories (Job) to the ending story of all stories (Revelation), we find Joy to be present in the middle of trials and victories.
Can you find joy in the biggest storm of life? Sure. You may have to look for it. Can you remember the past, or speculate at the future, and find joy in both places? Sure! Joy rolls out of the doldrums with laughter that reflects our celebration.
What if you were to stand at the bedside of a loved one about to enter eternity? Will you rejoice? For us, the concept of finding joy is often hours and days after a moment of loss or tragedy. Even Jesus wept when Lazarus was gone (John 11:35) and he was standing at his tomb – but he did not weep for Lazarus alone. There are many reasons to weep, and this article lays them out very well. (Click Here). But imagine the Joy after the miracle!
Claiming Joy When Weeping Is Real
Even reading the Book of the Law of God (Book of Moses, Pentateuch), Israel can feel the weight of words as Jerusalem is restored. But, Nehemiah tells them to see the results differently.
And Nehemiah, who was the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn nor weep.” For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the Law. Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” So the Levites quieted all the people, saying, “Be still, for the day is holy; do not be grieved.” And all the people went their way to eat and drink, to send portions and rejoice greatly, because they understood the words that were declared to them.
(Nehemiah 8:9-12 NKJV)
Abundant Joy
There is more about Joy that we read from the Words and Teachings of Jesus. Suffice it to say the reality of our sorrow is that Joy is often hidden in plain sight.
“These things I have spoken to you,
that My joy may remain in you,
and that your joy may be full.
(John 15:11 NKJV)
What joy can we have that’s better than any joy you may imagine? His joy. And he wants our Joy to be Full!
Paul shares to the Romans:
…for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking,
but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
(Romans 14:17 NKJV)
God’s kingdom is not about celebrating our natural fulfillment but basking in the Holy Spirit…with righteousness, peace, and joy!
Prophecy of Joy
Isaiah prophesied, and Jesus fulfilled this on the day he read the scrolls from a prescribed place of scripture (Luke 4:16-21).
“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, Because the LORD has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.”
(Isaiah 61:1-3 NKJV)
When he was finished, he said: “Today, this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” What should have been accepted as a miracle produced wrath. (Read the remainder of Luke 4.)
Where you have wrath, you cannot have joy. Could this be the problem of today? There’s too much turmoil for us to have Joy, or at least as the world counts joy. But Jesus speaks so that His joy will remain in us, and our joy may be full. (John 15:11)
Fulfill The Joy
We live in stressful times loaded with great concern, but I also believe we live in some of the greatest times to express God’s Joy. Living joy gives hope to others.
And in that day thou shalt say, O LORD, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me. Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted. Sing unto the LORD; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth. Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.
(Isaiah 12:1-6 KJV)
We need to live with Joy! It will draw others to Christ. When you live without Joy, they may say, to what purpose is your commitment to Christ? When it’s storming? Proclaim joy. When others are scared and worry? Live joy. It’s not being blind to what’s happening but knowing there is a great joy to be found in the dark clouds. Your job? Help others find Joy.